Mr. Howell is an alumnus of Norfolk State University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. As a veteran of the United States Army he served in Viet Nam and returned to his hometown of Franklin, VA where he worked his way to being Plant Manager of International Paper’s particleboard manufacturing plant and was selected as a senior supply chain management executive in their international headquarters in Memphis, TN.

Brother Mel returned to Portsmouth live out his faith by helping those in need. He provides leadership to our charitable warehouse and supply chain, our Hope House and special projects; serves as liaison for government and large grants and strategic partnerships. He calls himself the chief laborer, as he loves all levels and types of work, doing whatever he can to see the ministry succeed from cleaning the facility, driving the truck and providing senior leadership.

Mel worships with The Sanctuary of Hope where he leads the evangelism team and serves in various capacities as needed.

Favorite Scriptures: Joshua 24.15(b) " But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." And Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”